Waste pad

ABSTRACT

A pet waste collection apparatus having a drawstring within an outer peripheral border of the pet waste collection apparatus, the drawstring having a drawstring exit portion exiting the pet waste collection apparatus, the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring releasably fastened to a bottom corner portion of the pet waste collection apparatus, the pet waste collection apparatus adapted to form a shape of a bag when the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring is released from the bottom corner portion of the pet waste collection apparatus and the drawstring is pulled taut, the pet waste collection apparatus substantially enclosing and sealing pet waste within the pet waste collection apparatus when the drawstring is pulled taut. Alternative embodiments include a bifurcated exit sleeve, an alternate exit sleeve, and a tab, each adapted to adhesively and releasably fasten the drawstring exit portion to the bottom corner, and a leak protection barrier.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/535,848, filed Sep. 16, 2011, the full disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pet waste pads for pet wastecollection and disposal and more particularly to pet waste pads havingdrawstrings for enclosing and sealing collected pet wastes into a bagfor disposal.

2. Background Art

Throughout history humans had pets of varying kinds. Dogs, for example,are considered to have been domesticated from gray wolves approximately15,000 years ago, although remains of domesticated dogs have been foundthat date back 33,000 years. DNA testing, on the other hand, suggests anevolutionary split between dogs and wolves approximately 100,000 yearsago. Cats, however, have been shown in drawings and sketches dating backmore than 9,500 years. Of course, humans had other pets, such asmonkeys, guinea pigs, reptiles, and other assorted animals, based uponcultural norms of the time. Although it is not known exactly when humansstarted keeping animals as pets, dogs are thought to be one of the firstanimals domesticated by humans for such purposes.

As humans started keeping pets as companions and/or as work animals intheir living quarters, and human knowledge of hygiene improved and theneed for improved sanitary conditions became known, there became a needfor improved sanitation for pets coexisting in living quarters withtheir human guardians. This became especially important during earlystages of life of the pets, and the need to train the pets and/or workanimals not to defecate and/or urinate within the living quarters becamean important chore and training exercise for their human guardians.

Pet waste pads and the like have been known. In more recent times, petwaste pads were developed to attract the pets and, in particular, dogsand/or puppies to an area, such as a pet waste pad for the pets, dogsand/or puppies to defecate and/or urinate on, while minimizing depositsof such wastes in undesired parts of the living quarters. The pet wastepads could then be picked up with the excrement thereon. However, tothis day, disposal of such deposits of fecal matter and/or urine remainsan unsanitary, unhygienic, and potentially pathogenically harmful. Inmany such instances, the human guardians may come into contact with suchexposed excrement and/or urine, either from spilling such wastes ortouching such wastes during carrying and/or disposal of the pet wastepads.

Pet waste collection apparatus that facilitate the hygienic collectionand hygienic disposal of collected pet waste are necessary. A pet wastecollection apparatus that is capable of collecting and facilitatingdisposal of collected feces and urine without a human handler contactingsuch collected wastes is needed.

The pet waste collection apparatus should be capable of attracting ayoung animal, dog, or other pet, to the pet waste collection apparatusfor defecation and urination thereon, without the young animal, dog, orother pet substantially damaging the pet waste collection apparatus. Apet waste collection apparatus is necessary that comprises asubstantially leak proof absorbent pad, which may be placed on a surfacefor receiving and collecting excrement and/or urine from the younganimal, dog, or other pet, that can be easily formed into a bag bypulling a drawstring taut, when a sufficient amount of excrement and/orurine is collected.

The pet waste collection apparatus should be easy to use, handle, anddispose of in a hygienic and environmentally friendly manner, durable,damage resistant, leak proof, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Different pet waste collection pads, devices and the like haveheretofore been known. However, none of the pet waste collection pads,devices and the like adequately satisfies these aforementioned needs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,376 (Ochi, et al.) discloses an absorbent compositepanel for a pet animal, comprising a liquid-absorbent panel and aliquid-impermeable backsheet, wherein the top surface of the absorbentpanel is partially covered along its peripheral edge withliquid-impermeable overflow barrier strips, which are bonded integrallyto the backsheet along outer side edges. Inner side edge of the overflowbarrier strips are spaced from the top surface of the absorbent panel bya spacer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,216 (Ochi) discloses a sheet for pet excretion,including a liquid permeable front face sheet, a liquid impermeable rearface sheet and an absorbent body interposed between the front face sheetand the rear face sheet. A liquid absorbent region where the absorbentbody exists has a colored portion positioned at the center thereof and anon-colored portion adjoining the colored portion so as to enclose anentire periphery of the colored portion.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0236504 (Silverman) a petwaste collection pad for use in training an animal, such as a domesticpet, to urinate or defecate in a predetermined location. The pet wastecollection pad includes a support frame and a liquid retaining layermounted above the support frame. The support frame provides structuralrigidity to retain the pad in a flattened state. The collection pad isdeformable from a first undeformed shape having a first size to a seconddeformed shape having a second size smaller than the first size. Thesupport frame may comprise a perforated sheet having foldable seamsallowing the pet waste collection pad to be folded. The pet wastecollection pad may also be rolled into a cylindrical shape to facilitatehandling.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,426 (David, et al.) discloses a disposablecombination pad and bag device for pet excrements that has a generallysymmetrical shape with spaced corners and connecting peripheral edges,defining a broad area suited to be laid out flat on the ground withoutermost peripheral edges. Narrow elongated generally stiff reinforcingstrips are secured along their lengths to the pad and respectivelyextend generally inboardly from pad corners toward a pad interior regionto be spaced apart only slightly at their inboard ends, thereby defininga small nonreinforced interior pad region that can be folded over andaround any pet excrements on the pad when forming a carrying bag.Flexible handles are connected off the reinforcing strips and extendedoutboardly beyond the peripheral pad edges at the corners, and haveinside openings sized for finger hooking by the person walking the pet,for suspended carriage of the pad when formed to the carrying bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,899 (Spellman) discloses a training pad for youngdogs that has absorbent material lined on one side thereof with fluidimpervious material, which is impregnated with an odor impartingsubstance that attracts young dogs to the pad for the purpose ofurination and defecation and discourages chewing of the pad by the youngdogs.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0109284 (Helfman) disclosesan animal waste collection pad, comprising: a backing sheet of fluidimpervious material, one or more absorbent sheets overlying the backingsheet, a top sheet overlying the absorbent sheet(s) and integrated tiemeans along one dimension of the collection pad. The tie means form tiesfor carrying and tying the collection pad into a compact bundle fordisposal.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,677 (Mack) discloses an animal waste collection padhaving a backing sheet of fluid impervious material and a non-woven topsheet thereon. An absorbent pad is disposed on the backing sheet, andthe absorbent pad contains a scent attractive to dogs. The scent may beprovided by a frangible capsule, a micro encapsulated scent incorporatedin the pad, or a spray applied to the pad. Tapes or drawstrings areattached to the backing sheet for tying the animal waste collection padinto a small compact package for disposal.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,284,273 (Prentice) discloses an absorbent pad, in whicha laminated floor pad is provided for standing support and for storingliquid contacting the same and including: a base lamina of liquidabsorbent paper felt with an impervious film on its lowermost supportedface; a top surface lamina of liquid absorbent paper felt spaced fromand overlying the base lamina; a marginal spacer separating the laminaewith a chamber space therebetween; and a liquid retaining laminacomprised of a single layer of loose liquid saturable crush resistantpellets occupying the chamber space between the laminae and engageablysupporting the surface laminae, in order to uniformly space the firsttwo mentioned laminae and to receive liquid therefrom and to store theliquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,042,489 (Takahashi, et al.) discloses an animal wastecollection sheet for inhibiting leakage of urine, unclean appearance anda damp or cold surface, without increasing the thickness and weight ofthe top sheet unnecessarily, thus improving the handling propertythereof. The animal waste collection sheet is planar and comprises a topsheet that is liquid permeable, a back sheet that is liquid impermeable,and an absorbent sheet disposed between the top sheet and the backsheet. The top sheet comprises a non-woven fabric with convex andconcave portions on the surface thereof. The top sheet is preferably anon-woven fabric alternately having a plurality of groove portions and aplurality of convex portions formed in a fixed direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,900 (Failla) discloses a disposable dog commode,comprising a preferably square, flexible sheet of moisture proofmaterial adapted to be spread upon a flat supporting surface, such as afloor, pavement or the like, and to be held in position while the doguses the same, followed by contraction of the edges and corners of thesheet to enclose excrement for disposal in a suitable waste receptacle.The disposable dog commode is preferably formed from a sheet offlexible, moisture proof or waterproof material, such as waterproofsynthetic resin sheet materials, thin waterproof paper, or metal foil.The edges of the sheet of material are folded in upon one surface of thesheet to form hems along each edge. The hems contain a drawstring, andthe ends thereof extend through a diagonal slit at one corner of thedisposable dog commode.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,685 (Arenz) discloses a disposable litter box andsheet assembly, including a litter box and sheet assembly, a panel ofbox-forming material, and a sheet secured to a central portion of thepanel. The panel has side and end flaps free of the sheet, which may befolded upwardly from a central portion of the panel to form a litter boxfor cats. The sheet may be of a plastic material. The sheet is flexibleand may resemble the sheet material used in the manufacture of plasticdisposal bags. At edges of the sheet, the edges are folded over andsecured to the remainder of the sheet, whereby an internal channel isprovided extending about margins of the sheet for the reception of adrawstring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,526 (Giannakopoulos) discloses a disposable kittylitter box and bag assembly in which the box with litter is inside thebag. The bag wall is long enough to be gathered together at the top andtied shut with the box and used kitty litter closed inside. The entireassembly is then disposed of together as a unit. The part of the bagwall which extends upwardly beyond the wall of the box inside is doubledback in folds and held in place by a band or other releasable retainingdevice, until the litter has been used and the entire assembly is readyfor disposal. At such time, the band is removed or separated to allowthe folds of the bag wall to be unfolded and lifted above the box andlitter for closing and tying shut.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,420 (Shepard) discloses a disposable cat litter box,comprising a liner pan for receiving cat litter, with the liner panhaving an open top, bottom, and sides and cat litter disposed in theliner pan. A disposal bag having an opening at least equal to the bottomof the liner pan and a drawstring around the opening is attached to thebottom of the exterior of the liner pan with the opening of the disposalbag around the sides of the liner pan. A covering lid is secured to thetop of the liner pan to hold the cat litter inside the liner pan with atear cord for removing the lid from the liner pan to expose the catlitter during use. After use, pulling on the drawstring causes theopening of the bag to cover the open top and fully enclose the liner panand any used cat litter therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,897 (Adolfsson, et al.) discloses a sanitary devicefor domestic animals, comprising a container and at least one liquidabsorbing unit, which is arranged to be placed in the container andwhich after use is arranged to be removed from the container in order tobe replaced by a new liquid absorbing unit. The liquid absorbing unitcomprises at least a first liquid absorbing material which issubstantially sheet-shaped and comprises at least one stamped out form.When the liquid absorbing unit is arranged to be used, at least one areaof the stamped out form is gripped and lifted upwards, whereafter thearea is mixed with other areas of the stamped out form, such that anairy layer is formed in the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,400 (Migdal) discloses an animal feces disposaldevice that includes a thin flexible sheet of water repellent material,which has a stiffening member centrally mounted to it. A drawstringrunning about the periphery of the sheet serves to close the sheet afteruse. The stiffening member is arranged so that the feces will becentrally positioned within the device to avoid any hand contact by theuser. After use the device may be disposed of as a unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,204 (Yananton) discloses an odorless animal litterunit having securing means, in which a claw resistant sorbent padlaminate is employed for the collection of animal urine. The laminateincludes a bottom sheet layer of moisture impermeable material, anintermediate sorbent layer of material having a high sorbency capacityfor urine, and a top claw resistant screen means. The laminate issecured to a container by means of securing means around the peripheryof the bottom sheet layer. In one embodiment of the invention, thesecuring means is an elasticized area or areas around the periphery ofthe moisture impermeable material. In an alternate embodiment, adrawstring is movably affixed to the periphery of the bottom sheetlayer.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,249,570 (Roberson) discloses a disposable nonskidabsorbent pad for a pet that includes a training pad having a pluralityof material layers to retain fluids and solid material; while preventingpassage therethrough. A top layer serves as absorbent material, with thebottom layer forming a fluid impermeable layer to prevent passage ofliquids. The impermeable layer extends over a peripheral edge of the topabsorbent layer, forming a hem that is colored green to simulate grass.On the underside of the bottom layer, a plurality of adhesive orfrictional members are fastened thereto for preventing movement, inwhole or in part, from the selective placement of the pad. Optionally, afragrance layer can be incorporated into the pad between the fluidimpermeable base layer and the top absorbent layer to attract pets tothe pad.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,042,490 (Takahashi, et al.) discloses an animal wastecollection sheet that is planar and includes a top sheet, which isliquid permeable, a back sheet which is liquid impermeable, and anabsorbent sheet disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. Thetop sheet has a high fiber density region in a thickness directionthereof, with a fiber density higher than an average fiber density ofthe top sheet, at least in a part of a side facing the absorbent sheet.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,763,338 (Olivadoti) discloses a retaining apparatus fora pet waste pad, including a retaining apparatus for retaining aliquid-absorptive sheet that includes a lower layer and an upper layerhaving substantially the same dimensions as the lower layer. Sandwichedbetween the two layers are a first plurality of magnetic membersarranged along the perimeter of the lower layer and a second pluralityof magnetic members, opposite in polarity to the first plurality ofmagnetic members, arranged adjacent to the first plurality of magneticmembers.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,348 (Hurwitz) discloses a compact foldable animallitter pan with disposable adhesive waste collection sheets, including acollapsible animal litter pan having polymeric surfaces that areconsidered to be immune to urine soaking. A plurality of hinges collapseand expand the litter pan. The litter pan has sidewalls that locate,receive and stabilize a urine absorption sheet. The urine absorptionsheet has a liquid impervious bottom layer, a urine absorption layercomposed of cotton, cellulose fluff pulp, commuted pulp, soft wood finechips, or hydrophilic paper and combinations thereof, together withsuperabsorbent polymers and a top, liquid permeable, layer. The top andbottom layers are bonded to constrain the urine absorbent layer. Anadhesive coating is applied to the bottom layer of the urine absorptionsheet for temporarily adhering the sheet to the foldable litter pan forenhanced stability of the urine absorption sheet. Animal urine issubstantially absorbed by the urine absorbent sheet, and the soiledsheet may be replaced with a fresh sheet, with the objective of notsoiling the litter pan.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,894 (Dean) discloses a waste removal device forcollecting waste material. The waste removal device comprises a firstsheet having an inner surface and a second sheet attached to the firstsheet and overlying the inner surface to define an envelope for storingthe waste material. The waste removal device includes a third sheet madefrom an absorbent material that overlies the inner surface of the firstsheet adjacent to the second sheet. The third sheet is intended tocontact the waste material, while the waste removal device is beingused, and the first sheet is intended to provide added protection to auser, by protecting the user from the waste material.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,423 (Pope) discloses an absorbent dog waste disposalpad holder lacking an underlying bottom wall and having nestable upperand lower frames that cooperate to form a peripheral wall to securelyhold the periphery of a disposable, absorbent pad therebetween. Eachnestable upper and lower frame comprises first and second frame members.The first and second frame members of the lower frame preferablycomprise opposite side ends that interlock to form the lower frame. Thefirst and second frame members of the upper frame preferably compriseends that abut to form the upper frame. Preferably, the frames of theabsorbent dog waste disposal pad holder are generally rectangularshaped, are made of moldable polymeric material and have an invertedU-shaped cross section.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,559 (Allen) discloses a disposable pet toilet unit,having a body portion within which a deodorizing, absorbent, granularmaterial is contained for use by household pets to defecate and urinate.The body portion is made of a moisture-proof material and includes abottom and a plurality of sides extending upwardly from the bottom toform an opening. A moisture-proof film is secured to the body portionand gatherable about the opening thereof by a closure, such as adrawstring. Thus, when the deodorizing, absorbent, granular materialbecomes sufficiently soiled so as to no longer adequately deodorize andabsorb odor and moisture, the drawstring may be pulled to gather thefilm together about the opening to substantially seal it. In thismanner, the disposable pet toilet unit may be transported and discardedwithout spillage or leakage of the soiled, deodorizing, absorbent,granular material.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,760 (Amirsakis) discloses a self containeddisposable diaper, including a combined disposable diaper and disposalbag, wherein a thin plastic sheet is affixed over the waterproof side ofa conventional disposable diaper and sealed to it along a portion of itsperiphery to form a permanently attached waterproof pocket with part ofthe sheet that can be turned inside out to form a bag for the useddisposable diaper and to form a flap with the remainder of the sheet,which can be closed over the bag opening to seal the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,477 (Grossmeyer) discloses a disposable apparatusfor the collection of refuse that includes a sheet like member forplacement upon a surface. The member is devoid of apertures, defines aregular geometric shape, and in some embodiments includes a plurality ofdisposable securing stakes or adhesive pads attached at corners thereoffor affixing the member to the surface during the collection of refuse.The corners are securable to one another by tying for disposal of themember, the securing stakes or adhesive pads, and the refuse collectedthereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,137 (Goldman, et al.) discloses a lined animalcommode comprising: a rectangularly shaped animal commode receptaclehaving side walls and open at the top; a disposable waterproofthermoplastic liner in the receptacle, the liner having a rectangularlyshaped planar bottom and side walls, the bottom including doublethickness folds of the liner forming isosceles triangle configurationswith the bases thereof positioned along the lower portion of twoparallel sides of the receptacle, the liner having side walls of avertical dimension substantially greater than the side walls of thereceptacle; and the side walls of the liner being folded over the sidewalls of the receptacle to substantially cover both sides thereof.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a pet waste collectionapparatus that facilitates the hygienic collection and hygienic disposalof collected pet waste. A pet waste collection apparatus that is capableof collecting and facilitating disposal of collected feces and urinewithout a human handler contacting such collected wastes is needed.

The pet waste collection apparatus should be capable of attracting ayoung animal, dog, or other pet, to the pet waste collection fordefecation and urination thereon, without the young animal, dog, orother pet substantially damaging the pet waste collection apparatus. Apet waste collection apparatus is necessary that comprises asubstantially leak proof absorbent pad, which may be placed on a surfacefor receiving and collecting excrement and/or urine from the younganimal, dog, or other pet, that can be easily formed into a bag bypulling a drawstring taut, when a sufficient amount of excrement and/orurine is collected.

The pet waste collection apparatus should be easy to use, handle, anddispose of in a hygienic and environmentally friendly manner, durable,damage resistant, leak proof, and inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a pet waste collection apparatus,comprising:

an absorbent pad,

-   -   the absorbent pad comprising opposing outermost layers and a        plurality of innermost layers of non-woven material sandwiched        between the opposing outermost layers,        -   the opposing outermost layers comprising a first outermost            layer and a second outermost layer,        -   the opposing outermost layers bordered by an outer            peripheral border,    -   the absorbent pad adapted to receive pet waste at the first        outermost layer and prevent any the pet waste received at the        first outermost layer from leaching through the absorbent pad to        the second outermost layer;

the pet waste collection apparatus further comprising an interiorpassageway between the opposing outermost layers within the outerperipheral border;

the pet waste collection apparatus further comprising a drawstring exitconnected to the interior passageway,

-   -   the drawstring exit adjacent the outer peripheral border;

the pet waste collection apparatus further comprising a drawstringwithin the interior passageway,

-   -   the drawstring having a drawstring exit portion exiting the pet        waste collection apparatus through the drawstring exit;

the second outermost layer comprising a second outermost layer portion;

the second outermost layer comprising a lower periphery;

the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring adhesively and releasablyfastened to the second outermost layer portion of the second outermostlayer at the lower periphery,

-   -   the pet waste collection apparatus adapted to form a shape of a        bag when the drawstring exit portion of the drawstring is        released from the second outermost layer and the drawstring is        pulled taut,        -   the pet waste collection apparatus substantially enclosing            and substantially sealing the pet waste within the pet waste            collection apparatus when the drawstring is pulled taut.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pet wastecollection apparatus has a tab connected to the first outermost layer,which folds over to the second outermost layer and sandwiches thedrawstring exit portion of the drawstring between the tab and the secondoutermost layer. The tab is adhesively and releasably fastened to thesecond outermost layer. The drawstring exit portion of the drawstring isadhesively and releasably fastened to the second outermost layer portionof the second outermost layer at the lower periphery thereof. The petwaste collection apparatus is adapted to form a shape of a bag when thedrawstring exit portion of the drawstring is released from the secondoutermost layer and the drawstring is pulled taut, the pet wastecollection apparatus substantially enclosing and substantially sealingthe pet waste within the pet waste collection apparatus when thedrawstring is pulled taut.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pet wastecollection apparatus has an exit sleeve connected to the secondoutermost layer and the first outermost layer, which folds over to thesecond outermost layer and sandwiches the drawstring exit portion of thedrawstring between the exit sleeve and the second outermost layer. Theexit sleeve is adhesively and releasably fastened to the secondoutermost layer. The drawstring exit portion of the drawstring isadhesively and releasably fastened to the second outermost layer portionof the second outermost layer at the lower periphery thereof. The petwaste collection apparatus is adapted to form a shape of a bag when thedrawstring exit portion of the drawstring is released from the secondoutermost layer and the drawstring is pulled taut, the pet wastecollection apparatus substantially enclosing and substantially sealingthe pet waste within the pet waste collection apparatus when thedrawstring is pulled taut.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the pet wastecollection apparatus has a leak protection barrier adjacent theabsorbent pad and adjacent the interior passageway between the opposingoutermost layers adjacent the outer peripheral border.

Each of the aforementioned embodiments of the pet waste collectionapparatus of the present invention facilitates collection and disposalof the collected pet waste in a hygienic and environmentally friendlymanner.

The pet waste collection apparatus of the present invention facilitatesthe hygienic collection and hygienic disposal of collected pet waste,and is capable of collecting and facilitating disposal of collectedfeces and urine without a human handler contacting such collectedwastes.

The pet waste collection apparatus is capable of attracting a younganimal, dog, or other pet, to the pet waste collection for defecationand urination thereon, without the young animal, dog, or other petsubstantially damaging the pet waste collection apparatus. The pet wastecollection apparatus of the present invention comprises a substantiallyleak proof absorbent pad, which may be placed on a surface for receivingand collecting excrement and/or urine from a young animal, dog, or otherpet, and can be easily formed into a bag by pulling a drawstring taut,when a sufficient amount of excrement and/or urine is collected.

The pet waste collection apparatus of the present invention is easy touse, handle, and dispose of in a hygienic and environmentally friendlymanner, is durable, damage resistant, leak proof, and inexpensive tomanufacture.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet waste collection apparatus,constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the petwaste collection apparatus closed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatus ofFIG. 1 showing the pet waste collection apparatus partially closed;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatusof FIG. 1 showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the pet waste collectionapparatus of FIG. 1 showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the pet waste collection apparatus of FIG. 1showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the pet waste collection apparatus of FIG. 1showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 7 is a bottom enlarged perspective view of a bottom corner portionof the pet waste collection apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a bifurcatedexit sleeve and a drawstring exit portion of a drawstring released andlifted away from the exit sleeve;

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the pet waste collection apparatus ofFIG. 1 showing an outer peripheral border of the pet waste collectionapparatus having an interior passageway and the drawstring thereinadjacent an absorbent pad of the pet waste collection apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the bifurcated exit sleeve of the petwaste collection apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the drawstring exitportion of the drawstring therein;

FIG. 10 is an end perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatusof FIG. 1 showing the bifurcated exit sleeve of the pet waste collectionapparatus adhesively and releasably fastened to a bottom corner portionof the pet waste collection apparatus with the bottom corner portionpartially lifted up;

FIG. 11 is an end perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatusof FIG. 1 showing the bifurcated exit sleeve of the pet waste collectionapparatus released from the bottom corner portion of the pet wastecollection apparatus with the bottom corner portion partially lifted up;

FIG. 12 is an end perspective view of the pet waste collection apparatusof FIG. 1 showing the bifurcated exit sleeve of the pet waste collectionapparatus released from the bottom corner portion of the pet wastecollection apparatus showing the drawstring exit portion of thedrawstring released and lifted away from the bifurcated exit sleeve withthe bottom corner portion partially lifted up;

FIG. 13 is a bottom enlarged perspective view of a bottom corner portionof the pet waste collection apparatus showing an alternate embodiment ofan exit sleeve and the drawstring exit portion of the drawstringreleased and lifted away from the exit sleeve;

FIG. 14 is a cross section view of the alternate embodiment of the exitsleeve of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a pet wastecollection apparatus, constructed in accordance with the presentinvention, showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 15 showing a tab of the pet wastecollection apparatus adhesively and releasably fastened to a bottomcorner portion of the pet waste collection apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 15 showing the tab of the pet wastecollection apparatus released from the bottom corner portion of the petwaste collection apparatus;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 15 showing the tab of the pet wastecollection apparatus released from the bottom corner portion of the petwaste collection apparatus;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of another alternate embodiment of apet waste collection apparatus, constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the other alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 19, constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, showing the pet waste collection apparatus open;

FIG. 21 is a cross section view of the pet waste collection apparatus ofFIG. 19 showing an outer peripheral border of the pet waste collectionapparatus having an interior passageway and a drawstring thereinadjacent a leak protection barrier, which is adjacent an absorbent padof the pet waste collection apparatus;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the other alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 19 showing a tab of the pet wastecollection apparatus adhesively and releasably fastened to a bottomcorner portion of the pet waste collection apparatus;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the other alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 19 showing the tab of the pet wastecollection apparatus released from the bottom corner portion of the petwaste collection apparatus; and

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of the pet wastecollection apparatus of FIG. 19 showing the tab of the pet wastecollection apparatus released from the bottom corner portion of the petwaste collection apparatus.

DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-24 of the drawings. Identical elements in thevarious figures are identified with the same reference numbers.

FIGS. 1-24 show embodiments of the present invention, a waste collectionapparatus, which may be used to receive, enclose, and seal one or moretypes of waste therein. Upon placement of the waste collection apparatuson a surface, such as, for example, a substantially flat surface orother suitable surface, and upon receipt of any waste by the wastecollection apparatus, the waste collection apparatus may be used tosubstantially enclose and substantially seal the received waste bypulling a drawstring of the waste collection apparatus taut. The wastecollection apparatus may be used to receive, substantially enclose andsubstantially seal a variety of different kinds of received wastes.

The pet waste collection apparatus of the present invention has adrawstring within an outer peripheral border of the pet waste collectionapparatus, the drawstring having a drawstring exit portion exiting thepet waste collection apparatus, the drawstring exit portion of thedrawstring releasably fastened to a bottom corner portion of the petwaste collection apparatus, the pet waste collection apparatus adaptedto form a shape of a bag when the drawstring exit portion of thedrawstring is released from the bottom corner portion of the pet wastecollection apparatus and the drawstring is pulled taut, the pet wastecollection apparatus substantially enclosing and sealing pet wastewithin the pet waste collection apparatus when the drawstring is pulledtaut. Alternative embodiments include a bifurcated exit sleeve, analternate exit sleeve, and a tab, each adapted to adhesively andreleasably fasten the drawstring exit portion to the bottom corner ofthe pet waste collection apparatus, and a pet waste collection apparatushaving a leak protection barrier adjacent the outer peripheral border ofthe pet waste collection apparatus.

FIGS. 1-12 show an embodiment of the present invention, a pet wastecollection apparatus 10 comprising an absorbent pad 12, the absorbentpad 12 comprising a first outermost layer 14 and a second outermostlayer 16 opposing one another and a plurality of innermost layers 18 ofnon-woven material or other suitable material sandwiched between thefirst outermost layer 14 and the second outermost layer 16. The petwaste collection apparatus 10 has an outer peripheral border 20 aboutand adjacent the absorbent pad 12. The first outermost layer 14 and thesecond outermost layer 16 of the absorbent pad 12 also form top andbottom surfaces of the outer peripheral border 20.

The absorbent pad 12 is adapted to receive pet waste 22 at the firstoutermost layer 14 and prevent any of the pet waste 22 received at thefirst outermost layer 14 from leaching through the absorbent pad 12 tothe second outermost layer 16.

The outer peripheral border 20 has an interior passageway 26 between thefirst outermost layer 14 and the second outermost layer 16 within theouter peripheral border 20. The pet waste collection apparatus 10 has anexit sleeve 28 connected to the interior passageway 26. The outerperipheral border 20 has an exit sleeve exit portion 30. The exit sleeve28 exits the pet waste collection apparatus 10 at the exit sleeve exitportion 30 of the outer peripheral border 20. The exit sleeve 28 alsohas exit sleeve passageways 31.

The pet waste collection apparatus 10 has a drawstring 32 within theinterior passageway 26. The drawstring 32 has a drawstring exit portion34 exiting the pet waste collection apparatus 10 through the exit sleevepassageways 31 of the exit sleeve 28.

The second outermost layer 16 has a second outermost layer portion 36.The exit sleeve 28 is adhesively and releasably fastened to the secondoutermost layer portion 36 of the second outermost layer 16, the secondoutermost layer 16 having a lower periphery 38. The exit sleeve 28releasably sandwiches the drawstring exit portion 34 of the drawstring32 between the exit sleeve 28 and the second outermost layer portion 36of the second outermost layer 16 at the lower periphery 38 of the secondoutermost layer 16.

The pet waste collection apparatus 10 is adapted to form a shape of abag 40 when the exit sleeve 28 is released from the second outermostlayer 16 and the drawstring 32 is pulled taut. When the drawstring 32 ispulled taut, the pet waste collection apparatus 10 substantiallyencloses and substantially seals the pet waste 22 that has been receivedby the pet waste collection apparatus 10.

The first outermost layer 14 is preferably heat sealed to the secondoutermost layer 16 at the lower periphery 38 of the second outermostlayer 16 at first junction 41.

The first outermost layer 14 is preferably heat sealed to the secondoutermost layer 16 at second junction 42, which is adjacent both theabsorbent pad 12 and the outer peripheral border 20 of the pet wastecollection apparatus 10.

The first outermost layer 14 has a first outermost layer portion 44. Theexit sleeve 28 comprises the first outermost layer portion 44 and thesecond outermost layer portion 36, which are heat sealed together atperiphery 47 of the exit sleeve 28.

The first outermost layer portion 44 and the second outermost layerportion 36 are preferably heat sealed together at substantiallycentrally disposed junction 46. The centrally disposed junction 46prevents the drawstring 32, which forms a continuous loop, fromaccidently being drawn into the pet waste collection apparatus 10.

An alternate embodiment of an exit sleeve 48 may comprise a singleinterior passageway 49, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

The drawstring 32 may optionally be tied into a knot 50, whichfacilitates carrying and disposing the pet waste collection apparatus10. The drawstring 32 may alternatively have separate ends, which may beused to tie the drawstring 32.

The pet waste collection apparatus 10 may alternatively have a fasteneror other suitable fastening means that may be used to adhesively andreleasably fasten the drawstring 32 to the second outermost layerportion 36 of the second outermost layer 16 at the lower periphery 38 ofthe second outermost layer 16.

The first outermost layer 14 is preferably of permeable or semipermeable material or other suitable material, and the second outermostlayer 16 is preferably of substantially leak proof low densitypolypropylene or other suitable material, each of which are preferablysuitable for heat sealing one to the other.

The plurality of innermost layers 18 of non-woven material or othersuitable material sandwiched between the first outermost layer 14 andthe second outermost layer 16 may alternatively comprise one or morelayers of non-woven material or other suitable material that facilitatesabsorption of wastes.

The first outermost layer 14, the second outermost layer 16, and theinnermost layers 18 of the pet waste collection apparatus 10 are eachpreferably of flexible sheet material that facilitates the pet wastecollection apparatus 10 to be stored folded or rolled up, prior to use.

The pet waste collection apparatus 10 may be supplied individually. Thepet waste collection apparatus 10 may alternatively be supplied infolded sheets or in rolls, each having one or more of the pet wastecollection apparatus 10 adjacent one another with easy to separateperforations, or in another suitable manner.

A logo or indicia may also be placed on the pet waste collectionapparatus, if desired.

FIGS. 15-18 show an alternate embodiment of a pet waste collectionapparatus 60, which is substantially the same as the pet wastecollection apparatus 10, except that the pet waste collection apparatus60 has a tab 62. The tab 62 is adhesively and releasably fastened to thesecond outermost layer 16. The tab 62 releasably sandwiches thedrawstring exit portion 34 of the drawstring 32 between the tab 62 andthe second outermost layer 16.

The pet waste collection apparatus 60 is adapted to form the shape ofthe bag 40 when the tab 62 is released from the second outermost layer16 and the drawstring 32 is pulled taut. When the drawstring 32 ispulled taut, the pet waste collection apparatus 60 substantiallyencloses and substantially seals the pet waste 22 that has been receivedby the pet waste collection apparatus 60.

FIGS. 19-24 show an alternate embodiment of a pet waste collectionapparatus 70, which is substantially the same as the pet wastecollection apparatus 60, except that the pet waste collection apparatus70 has a leak protection barrier 72 of non-woven material between outerperipheral border 74 and absorbent pad 76. The leak protection barrier72 is adapted to further minimize the possibility of leaks from the petwaste collection apparatus 70.

The pet waste collection apparatus 70 has first outermost layer 78,which is heat sealed to second outermost layer 80 at first junction 82adjacent the absorbent pad 76 and adjacent the leak protection barrier72. The first outermost layer 78 is also heat sealed to the secondoutermost layer 80 at second junction 84 adjacent the outer peripheralborder 74 and adjacent the leak protection barrier 72. The firstoutermost layer 78 is also heat sealed to the second outermost layer 80at third junction 86 adjacent the outer peripheral border 74 andadjacent perimeter 88.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pet waste collection apparatus, comprising: an absorbent pad, said absorbent pad comprising opposing outermost layers and a plurality of innermost layers of non-woven waste absorbing material sandwiched between said opposing outermost layers, said non-woven waste absorbing material completely enclosed and completely filling a volume between said opposing outermost layers, said opposing outermost layers comprising a first outermost layer of permeable material and a second outermost layer of substantially leak proof material, said opposing outermost layers bordered by an outer peripheral border, said absorbent pad having a first height and said outer peripheral border having a second height, which is less than said first height of said absorbent pad, said absorbent pad adapted to receive pet waste at said first outermost layer and prevent any said pet waste received at said first outermost layer from leaching through said absorbent pad to said second outermost layer; said pet waste collection apparatus further comprising an interior passageway between said opposing outermost layers within said outer peripheral border; said pet waste collection apparatus having a drawstring exit connected to said interior passageway, said drawstring exit adjacent said outer peripheral border of said opposing outermost layers; said pet waste collection apparatus further comprising a diagonally folding fold-over tab integrally connected to said first outermost layer adjacent said drawstring exit; said pet waste collection apparatus further comprising a drawstring within said interior passageway, said drawstring exiting said pet waste collection apparatus through said drawstring exit; said first outermost layer comprising a first outermost layer portion, said second outermost layer comprising a second outermost layer portion; said diagonally folding fold-over tab adhesively and releasably fastened to said second outermost layer portion of said second outermost layer, said second outermost layer comprising a lower periphery, said diagonally folding fold-over tab releasably and adhesively sandwiching said drawstring exit portion of said drawstring between said diagonally folding fold-over tab and said second outermost layer portion of said second outermost layer at said lower periphery of said second outermost layer; said pet waste collection apparatus adapted to form a shape of a bag when said diagonally folding fold-over tab is released from said second outermost layer and said drawstring is pulled taut, said pet waste collection apparatus substantially enclosing and substantially sealing said pet waste within said pet waste collection apparatus when said drawstring is pulled taut.
 2. A pet waste collection apparatus, comprising: a substantially square absorbent pad having four corners, said substantially square absorbent pad comprising opposing outermost layers and a plurality of innermost layers of non-woven waste absorbing material sandwiched between said opposing outermost layers, said non-woven material completely enclosed and completely filling a volume between said opposing outermost layers, said opposing outermost layers comprising a first outermost layer of permeable material and a second outermost layer of substantially leak proof material, said opposing outermost layers bordered by an outer peripheral border, said substantially square absorbent pad having a first height and said outer peripheral border having a second height, which is less than said first height of said substantially square absorbent pad, said substantially square absorbent pad adapted to receive pet waste at said first outermost layer and prevent any said pet waste received at said first outermost layer from leaching through said substantially square absorbent pad to said second outermost layer; said pet waste collection apparatus further comprising an interior passageway between said opposing outermost layers within said outer peripheral border; said pet waste collection apparatus having a drawstring exit at at least one of said four corners connected to said interior passageway; said pet waste collection apparatus further comprising a diagonally folding fold-over tab adjacent said at least one of said four corners and integrally connected to and releasably fastened to one of said opposing outermost layers adjacent said drawstring exit; said pet waste collection apparatus further comprising a drawstring within said interior passageway, said drawstring exiting said pet waste collection apparatus through said drawstring exit; said pet waste collection apparatus adapted to form a shape of a bag when said drawstring is pulled taut, said pet waste collection apparatus substantially enclosing and substantially sealing said pet waste within said pet waste collection apparatus when said drawstring is pulled taut.
 3. A pet waste collection apparatus, comprising: a substantially square absorbent pad and an outer peripheral border connected to and adjacent one another and having opposing outermost layers, comprising a permeable outermost layer and a substantially leak proof outermost layer opposing one another, said substantially square absorbent pad having a first height and said outer peripheral border having a second height, which is less than said first height of said substantially square absorbent pad; said substantially square absorbent pad comprising a plurality of innermost layers of non-woven waste absorbing material sandwiched and completely enclosed between said opposing outermost layers and completely filling a volume between said opposing outermost layers extending to said outer peripheral border; said outer peripheral border having an interior passageway between said opposing outermost layers, a drawstring therein, and a drawstring exit at an outer corner of said waste collection apparatus; said substantially leak proof outermost layer having a diagonally folding fold-over tab integrally connected to said outer corner of said waste collection apparatus adjacent said drawstring exit; said drawstring extending out of said drawstring exit, said diagonally folding fold-over tab folded over said drawstring and releasably and adhesively fastened to said substantially leak proof outermost layer releasably and adhesively sandwiching said drawstring therebetween prior to use and during use when said waste collection apparatus is laid out substantially flat on a surface for collection of waste with said permeable outermost layer facing upward, said waste collection apparatus forming a bag with collected waste therein when said diagonally folding fold-over tab is unfolded, released, and extended outward and away or peeled away from said substantially leak proof outermost layer and said drawstring is pulled taut. 